The Maryland State Highway Administration was cited for not putting up signs around a construction zone on Interstate 695 where six workers died in a crash on March 22. 

The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Office found that, by not posting warning signs ahead of openings in the concrete barriers around the zone, the contractors inside were exposed to “struck-by hazards.” Although MOSH found MSHA liable for the “serious violation,” the highway agency was not fined for the lack of signage, according to a Sept. 21 report that was recently released.

MSHA said the signs are optional and would not have helped.

“The crash did not involve a construction vehicle, and the signs would not have prevented the crash from occurring. The State Highway Administration has no plan to appeal or contest the citation,” an agency spokesperson told WTOP-FM.

The crash on the Baltimore Beltway’s Inner Loop occurred when Lisa Lea, now 55, attempted to merge left and change lanes, hitting a car driven by Melachi Brown, 20, police said at the time. Ms. Lea is accused of losing control of her car, going into the construction zone and striking six workers before the car flipped over, according to court documents.

Rolando Ruiz of Laurel, Sybil Dimaggio of Glen Burnie, brothers Jose and Carlos Escobar of Frederick, and father and son Mahlon Simmons II and Mahlon Simmons III of Union Bridge died as a result of the incident.

Both Ms. Lea and Mr. Brown are accused of speeding before the crash, and Ms. Lea is facing an additional drug charge, according to court documents. 

Ms. Lea has been charged with six counts of felony negligent manslaughter by vehicle, six misdemeanor counts of criminal negligent manslaughter by vehicle, six traffic charges of causing injury or death while operating a motor vehicle, one count of driving while impaired by drugs, one count of negligent driving in a manner dangerous to life and property, one count of failing to control a vehicle to prevent collision, one count of speeding in a work zone, one count of unsafe lane changing, one count of aggressive driving, one count of following a vehicle too closely, one count of driving in excess of reasonable and prudent speed, one count of reckless driving and one count of general speeding.

Mr. Brown has been charged with six counts of felony negligent manslaughter by vehicle, six misdemeanor counts of criminal negligent manslaughter by vehicle, six traffic charges of causing injury or death while operating a motor vehicle, two counts of negligent driving in a manner dangerous to life and property, one count of failing to control a vehicle to prevent collision, one count of speeding in a work zone, one count of unsafe lane changing, one count of aggressive driving, one count of following a vehicle too closely, one count of driving in excess of reasonable and prudent speed and one count of general speeding.

Both criminal cases are still ongoing.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.